The 12th annual Cattle Baron's Ball, a benefit for the American Cancer Society, raised a record $225,000 that will go toward the society's research, education, advocacy and service efforts.

Attendance at the Feb. 9 event also set a record, with more than 600 enjoying an evening of food, music and socializing.

Of particular interest was the appeal made on behalf of the East Texas Patient Transportation Program. That special appeal brought in more than $25,000.

The goal of the program is to ensure that patients receive life-saving treatments and to ease the burden of cancer in practical ways. To achieve those objectives, the program provides a combination of community resource referrals, trained Road to Recovery volunteer drivers and direct financial aid for gasoline costs or commercial transportation reimbursement.

Co-chairmen for the Cattle Baron's Ball, which was themed "From Denim to Diamonds," were Amanda and Rob Childress and Julia and David Gardner. They were assisted by a committee of 18, who worked for many months to organize the fundraiser, and by local businesses and individuals who gave vital support.

To help raise money at the ball, the Gardners donated a Tag Heuer watch and a David Gardner-designed pendant as raffle prizes.

Dinner was catered by G-Texas, and The Groove dance band provided the entertainment. The event was held at the Zone Club at Kyle Field on the Texas A&M University campus.

Barbara Bush in Bryan

Former first lady Barbara Bush was the featured speaker at The Woman's Club Guest Day and Tea on Feb. 13 at the group's Bryan clubhouse.

Bush entertained Woman's Club members and their guests with stories of her lifetime of public service.

Describing the Woman's Club as the definition of "caring neighbors," she spoke of the need to "celebrate our differences instead of fearing them."

Bush added that "as women, we have greater impact if we stop comparing ourselves to each other and use our strengths to strengthen each other."

Sally Bowen, serving as leader of the day, introduced Bush. Club president Renee Frisbie and cookbook committee chair Stephanie Sale presented the wife of the former president with a copy of the 2008 Woman's Club Legacy Cookbook.

Nancy Whitlock and Ann Wilder, co-chairs of the program planning committee, were overall coordinators of the tea that followed the program. Members of their committee, led by Ruth Blatchley and Kay McWhorter, prepared a selection of refreshments.

Lions Clubs fundraiser

Seven local Lions Clubs raised more than $12,000 with a Texas Swing music concert Feb. 15 at the Bryan Civic Auditorium.

Ricky Boen and Texas Mud, who give shows regularly in Branson, Mo., performed at the Lions-sponsored concert. Boen is a 1983 World Champion fiddler from Odessa.

The event was presented by Aggieland Lions, Bryan Evening Lions, Bryan Noon Lions, North Bryan Lions, Bryan Breakfast Lions, College Station Noon Lions and Wellborn Lions Clubs.

The money raised will be used to meet the Lions' financial commitment of building a Habitat for Humanity house.

• Send information about your club's recent achievements and events to Heather Lee at heather.lee@theeagle.com. Or call her at 254-760-0665. Submission deadline for the following Sunday's edition: 5 p.m. Mondays.